Pulkit Gupta's brilliant century helped Upminster to a crushing derby win over Gidea Park and Romford, as the 1st XI became one of five Upminster sides to pick up an opening day league victory on Saturday.

Gupta's ton came after Park had earlier recovered from 175-7 to make 242-9 and give Upminster what looked like it could be a challenging chase. However, Gupta and JJ Smuts continued their good form from last weekend with another century stand. Against Shenfield last Saturday Smuts had dominated their three figure opening partnership, but this time Gupta initially kept pace with the South African as Upminster raced out of the blocks. Smuts put his foot to the floor after passing 50 but with the score on 126 the opener fell for 83, made from just 68 balls. Gupta took over the lead role as James Evans joined him at the crease, and the two men took Upminster towards victory. Gupta brought up his ton from 92 balls before he fell for a brilliant 106, but Upminster were by then all but sure of victory, and Evans (44*) and captain Kiran Kullar saw their team home with eight wickets and 11 overs to spare. Earlier in the day young seamer Ollie Todd had produced one of his best spells for the club to help restrict Park, while Smuts had shown his quality with the ball once more as he claimed 3-25 from his 10 overs.

The 2nd XI marked their return to the top flight with a thrilling win over Hornchurch at Harrow Lodge Park. When Josh "the Big Show" Lamont struck the first ball of the game over the rope for six at 12.31pm few would have predicted that the result of the game would still be in doubt nearly 90 overs later. Lamont made 45 from 31 balls to get Upminster off to a fast start before the experienced Shaff Rahman made a trademark half century. Rahman fell for 73, but late runs from Terry Wyatt and Rohan Mayor helped the visitors to reach 252. Kenny Coney and Luke Edwards impressed with the ball for Hornchurch. Edwards' impressive afternoon continued as the Hornchurch chase began, and he found a willing partner in George Barnacle. Lamont removed Barnacle on his way to claiming three wickets, while Rahman claimed the key wicket of Edwards for 89. Frankie Jacobs, Myles Wells and Joe Defreitas kept Hornchurch in the hunt and 16 were required from the final over the game, bowled by Mark D'Cruz. The veteran seamer kept his nerve to help Upminster claim a six run victory.

There was a second century of the day at Coopers, where Steve Wright helped the 3rd XI to a win over Hutton. Wright struck an unbeaten 126 from 124 balls as the former 1st XI batsman showed his undoubted class. The rest of the home batting struggled against Hutton's experienced bowling line up, until Alex Ward came to the crease and combined with Wright to take his side towards a big score. Ward made 45 from 25 balls as Upminster reached 242-6. Hutton made a good start to their reply, but it was the wily spin of Kevin Roome that turned the game Upminster's way. The club stalwart claimed 4-17 from nine overs as Upminster closed in on victory. Tom Patterson made a fine unbeaten 77 for Hutton, having earlier claimed two wickets, but with youngster Jamie Green picking up 3-32 Hutton closed on 181-9 to give Upminster a 61 run win.

A stand of 126 between Paul Middlemiss and new signing Matt Burch helped the 4th XI to an opening day win at South Woodford 3s. Middlemiss made 68 and Burch 61 as Upminster accelerated after a cautious start. Gary Carr made 23 and Nathan Brown added a quickfire unbeaten 28 at the end of the innings as Ian Munn's side closed on 246-6. South made a positive start to their chase, but some fine fielding from Anthony Limn broke their opening partnership. Limn then worked his way through the home side's middle order with his slow right-armers, and although South's last pair showed some resistance Joshan Narbheram claimed the winning wicket as Upminster won by 111 runs.

The 5th XI picked up an excellent win at Frenford 4th XI. Mit Shah and Sanjay Narbheram made runs in the middle order before Michael Jones and youngster Joseph Farrell made 36 and 34 respectively to help Upminster to 168-8. Old Cooperian Waqqas Naqvi made 43 as Frenford's opening partnership made a good dent in their target, but when he was run out things rapidly turned Upminster's way. Shah and Ollie Burley ran through the home side's middle order as Upminster wrapped up a win by 18 runs.

The one defeat of the day came for a youthful 6th XI against Horndon on the Hill 4s, but it did still contain one of the performances of the day. Youngster Michael Pedrick batted throughout the Upminster chase to remain unbeaten on a brilliant 74. Unfortunately veteran Don Triggs was the only other batsman to make double figures as Upminster closed on 125-8 to lose by 71 runs. Earlier in the afternoon Horndon had reached 196-9 despite a brilliant effort in the field from Ray Calder's young side.

The Windmill Whack Women's Edition kicked off on Sunday afternoon. In front of an enthusiastic crowd the Burley Bandits overcame the Tolan T-Birds by 64 runs. The men's event begins this coming Sunday (15th).